.... that part makes common sense. However, I still don't understand how
the MgCl2 and the CaCl2 play a role in this destabilization of the
membrane. Is the role of adding MgCl2 or CaCl2 understood, or is it done
simply because it works ... without a known scientific reason?
George Tsimiklis
Elena Sanchez-Heras wrote:
> Basiccally the mechanism is as follows: when we make competent cells,
> what we do is to desestabilize the membrane biochemically so we make it
> more liable to penetration. When we transform those competent cells, the
> heat shcok literally make holes in that pretreated membrane, so the
> foreign DNA can penetrate in the cell.
>> Elena Sanchez-Heras
>> On Sat, 5 Sep 1998, George Tsimiklis wrote:
>> > I would like to know the mechanism of transformation of competent
> > bacteria. What is the purpose of the heat shock? Biochemically, how
> > does MgCl2 and CaCl2 increase the efficiency of the transformation?
> > Do they have an effect on bacterial transport proteins?
> >
> >
> >
> >